Find out about the basics of the companies including benefits, reimbursements, and pay packages.

Work with 2-3 companies at a time to give yourself the most options for the best jobs.

Don’t be afraid to fill out necessary paperwork for a few companies once you’ve decided you like them. This does NOT lock you in to taking a contract with that company. They need this information to be able to submit you quickly to jobs when the time comes (which you definitely want them to be able to do)!

Step 2: Make sure you understand tax homes and have yours squared away.

You’ll want to start contacting travel companies/recruiters at least 8 weeks in advance to get the process started with necessary paperwork, and then they can start your job search.

Step 7: Consider getting licensed up front in a couple states.

When it’s time to look for jobs, most positions will be “ASAP” start dates from the time you interview. So that normally means 4 weeks or less, which means under most circumstances you’re better off to have license in hand already.

Most often, there’s no time to wait for licensing; you’ll lose the job to someone already licensed.

Some jobs won’t even accept you for an interview if you’re not licensed in the state.

You’re better off to risk eating the cost of an extra license or two to go ahead and have them and make it easier when you’re on the hunt for a job than to risk missing a week or more of work from a delayed license. Your travel company should reimburse you for the cost of your license when you take a contract in that state. Then, you can try to use the other license(s) at a later time.

Step 8: Let your recruiter know about your preferences and start date, and have them start the search for your travel job!

Once you’ve done all the aforementioned preparations, it’s time to have them be on the hunt for the right job for you!

Keep in mind, many companies may have the same jobs. So it’s best to have them tell you about the potential job and ask you before they submit your profile for consideration. It’s best not to let more than one company submit you for the same job.

Weigh your options if you’re presented with a bunch of jobs, because once you’re submitted for a job, things move quickly. If they proceed with an interview, then they’ll want a decision within usually 24-48 hours. This means that you generally won’t have time to tell them to wait while you consider a different job. Choose wisely!

Step 9: Once your recruiter(s) have presented you with some good potential job options: